What is an exhibition curator ? the 4 stages for the success of an art exhibition

The role of the exhibition curator requires technical and management knowledge but also creativity and boldness.

In this article we will see what the assignments and tasks of the exhibition curator that are essential for the success of an exhibition.

By Rute Ferreira, author of the online course Art Curating - Exhibition.

Of Latin origin, the word curator designates the person responsible for taking care of a collection of works of art.

In the case of an exhibition, the exhibition curator is the one who will be in charge of the concept and all the stages, from the assembly to its final accomplishment.

The exhibition curator ’s work goes beyond a random selection of paintings arranged on a wall. He manages an entire cultural heritage.

But, in fact, what are the functions of a curator?

That’s what we’ll see next in this article.

Art Exhibition Curator – 1. Conceptualization

The conceptualization of an art exhibition is not a random action.

It is up to the curator to develop the entire exhibition project.

The curator has to manage the entire project, from the selection of the exhibition theme to the artists he wants to present (who do not need to have a common language).

Some aspects are fundamental in this planning phase. At this stage, the curator needs to establish:

a) The theme (or concept);

b) The collection;

c) The target audience.

Art Exhibition Curator – 2. Organization

The organization of the exhibition concerns the logistics of its realization and its consequent management.

At this stage, having already defined the main points (theme, collection and target audience), the curator will effectively make the exhibition possible.

Art Exhibition Curator – 3. Supervision

The supervision stage is when the curator confirms that everything is ready for the opening of the exhibition.

Art Exhibition Curator – 4 – Realization

It is the exhibition, in fact, from its opening to its closing.

Mediation and post-production are inserted in this stage, that is, the evaluation about the cultural accessibility provided by that exhibition.

The exercise of this activity can be understood in two distinct ways.

We can talk about curatorship as a function and as a profession.

The differences between the two concepts end up being reflected in the way the exhibition curator is seen within the museum system.

But regardless of the concept, it must be an activity done with great care, reflection and responsibility.

Because, besides being a way to access culture, it is also a way of producing art history.

Learn how to organize an art exhibition with success

Online course

The Art curating – exhibition course is for anyone who wants to know how to organize an art exhibition for personal or professional reasons.

It is particularly useful for art curators, museologists, artists, art historians, gallery owners and students of art, art history and museology or cultural communication professionals. It is also very useful for teachers and cultural mediators.

It has no access requirements.